Biology Lab Technician

I characterized a photocromic ligand of an enzyme with an in vitro inhibitory assay and MTT proliferation assays on HaCat keratinocytes and and HCT-116 tumoral cell lines. During my Erasmus I had the opportunity to work for the first time in an international context with smart researchers, to learn new techniques, to deepen my problem solving skills, to work independently, to improve my English and to learn Spanish.

I joined the research group laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology at my University, from May 2015 to March 2016, to prepare my dissertation. My thesis, entitled "Characterization of novel mu and kappa opioid receptor biased agonists by investigating ligand-directed signaling events", is an original investigation focused on the selective modulation of opioid receptors by functionally selective ligands studying their in vitro and in vivo ligand directed signaling events through molecular biology assays (Western Blotting, Proliferation assays, cAMP inhibition assays, RT-qPCR) and nociception assays (Tail Immersion test and Visceral Pain test). Specifically two different compounds were assayed: a selective κ agonist and μ agonist, that were synthesized in the laboratory of Chemistry at University of Bologna. The period I've spent in the lab was crucial for the development of my technical skills: I became familiar with several laboratory techniques and I quickly developed a critical and analytical opinion on the research project I was involved with. During the internship I was excited to carry out my own project for the first time and to obtain my first results.

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